Young provincial actor Perda, long confined to minor roles, is cast unexpectedly as the lead in a vacuous new play by an ambitious writer. Despite a lackluster script and an audience that largely abandons the performance at intermission, the production proceeds to secure funding. Frustrated by being told to blend in, Perda ultimately decides to assert himself boldly on stage.
Acting
Polívka's volcanic restraint finally erupting.
Writing
Script so deliberately bad it becomes art.
Direction
Luther lets humiliation breathe like oxygen.
Director
Miloslav Luther
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Shot during Czechoslovakia's Velvet Revolution year — Perda's rebellion mirrors a nation tired of playing assigned roles.
Bolek Polívka improvised much of his final monologue after Luther locked the camera on him for 12 uninterrupted minutes.
XC
